Palm Beach is one of the more accessible areas in Aruba, with a long, flat boardwalk and paved promenade that are pleasant for strollers and wheelchairs. The resort strip is easy to walk, with shops and restaurants close together. Soft sand is harder to cross, but the firm boardwalk and nearby malls make the area comfortable and convenient to get around.
Aruba is known as One Happy Island and is considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean, with friendly, welcoming locals. Palm Beach feels relaxed and well looked after. As anywhere, keep valuables secure on the beach and stay aware at night around busier nightlife areas. The calm, clear waters are great for swimming, though it is still wise to watch for currents.
Tipping is customary in Aruba. Many restaurants add a service charge of around 10 to 15 percent, so check your bill first. If service is not included, leaving 15 percent is standard, and you can tip your server directly for great service. Small tips for hotel staff, drivers and tour guides are also appreciated. Carrying some small bills makes tipping easy.
Palm Beach is made for swimming, sunbathing and water sports like snorkeling, paddleboarding, parasailing and jet skiing in the calm, clear water. Stroll the lively boardwalk, enjoy the beach bars and the famous Aruba sunsets, and explore the nearby shopping malls and casinos. The Bubali Bird Sanctuary is close by, and quieter Eagle Beach and snorkeling spots like Boca Catalina are a short drive away.
Aruba's official currency is the Aruban florin (AWG), but US dollars are widely accepted across the island, and most prices are listed in both. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops around Palm Beach, though taxis often prefer cash. It is handy to carry some US dollars or florins for smaller purchases, tips and bus fares as you explore.
Aruba's official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, a local creole language. Thanks to the island's strong travel industry, English and Spanish are also very widely spoken, so visitors communicate easily at Palm Beach and beyond. Learning a few words in Papiamento is always appreciated by the warm, hospitable Aruban locals.
Aruban cuisine blends Caribbean, Dutch and South American flavors. Try keshi yena, a baked stuffed cheese dish, and fresh seafood like red snapper and mahi-mahi. Sample pastechi, savory filled pastries, hearty stews, and pan bati, a local cornmeal flatbread. Around Palm Beach you will also find international dining, beach barbecue and refreshing tropical cocktails to enjoy as the sun goes down.
Aruba enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round and sits outside the main hurricane belt, making it a reliable destination anytime. The peak season runs from December to April, when the island is busiest and liveliest. The quieter months from May to November still offer great weather and better value, with only occasional brief showers later in the year. Cooling trade winds keep things comfortable.